Alabaster holds annual Christmas parade on Highway 31
Published 3:09 pm Monday, December 9, 2024
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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor
ALABASTER – Festive floats accompanied by costumed participants threw candy to thousands of local residents during the return of the Alabaster Christmas Parade.
A long-running tradition and one of the city’s many holiday festivities, the Alabaster Christmas Parade saw residents, local businesses and students representing a wide variety of classes and organizations all march together along Highway 31 south on Saturday, Dec. 7.
“I would say the weather was perfect overall and attendance was great,” said Morgan Lawley, manager of Alabaster’s community programs. “It was a fun time to kick off the Christmas season for the citizens of Alabaster and surrounding areas.”
The parade was organized by city personnel with the theme “An Old Fashioned Christmas.” After starting at 10 a.m. the parade lasted approximately an hour and a half.
“It definitely takes a lot of organization and a lot of hard work by a lot of people with the city,” Alabaster Public Relations Manager Neal Wagner said. “And so, we appreciate all the work they do, and we really appreciate everyone for showing up and making it a huge success every year.”
The Alabaster Christmas Parade began near Long Lewis Ford on U.S. 31 and proceeded south toward the old Alabaster Police Station where the judges’ platform was located. There, various groups performed a short show before turning and going over the train tracks past Alabaster Auto and past the thrift store shopping center. The parade concluded near the stop sign in front of Southbrook Village on First Street Southwest. During the entirety of the parade, all southbound traffic on Hwy 31 was rerouted to the northbound sound.
“Due to the additional viewing areas, I felt like this was one of the largest attended parades in recent years,’ Lawley said.
The Alabaster Christmas Parade featured a variety of floats and vehicles with participants taking advantage of the theme and featuring a variety recognizable holiday characters and outfits. As they proceeded down Hwy 31, participants threw candy to the crowd where children stood expectantly, ready to fill their bags with as much as they could grab.
“I think the events were a success, and I am excited about growing the parade in the future,” Lawley said.
After the parade’s completion, the city of Alabaster announced the results of the judging and a Santa Trophy will be provided to the following organizations:
- Best Walking Entry – Thompson High School’s Marching Southern Sounds band
- Best Use of Theme – Beulah Mae’s Southern Kitchen
- Most Creative – Amazing Grace Church
- Most Entertaining – Jason’s Auto
- Most Holiday Spirit – Alabaster Water Board
In addition to the Alabaster Christmas Parade, the city also accepted new toy donations to help children who might otherwise receive no gifts during Christmas. The city is partnering with Shelby Emergency Assistance to distribute the donated toys through Alabaster with any extras set to go toward neighboring cities.
(It’s) another way for us to support the families in need during the holiday season,” Wagner said.